This KQED Production focuses upon California's coastal conflict and its ramifications for the state and the nation. Few locations in the US rival the intense development pressure that the California coast constantly faces, or the politics that plague the operations of the California Coastal Commission. Development is swallowing up miles of California coastline; access to the beach is being cut off; and seawalls may be causing beaches to disappear. California's coast has turned into a battle zone without most people noticing.

This documentary identifies what is at stake on the frontlines of California's coastal conflict: It travels the California coast gathering stories, pictures, footage and testimonials from property owners, environmental experts, coastal scientists, government representatives, and community leaders to examine both sides of the issues. Viewers get to understand the tension between public vs. private coastal interests, the intricacies of the California Coastal Commission, and examples of failed as well as sustainable coastal development plans. They visit Solana Beach and Pacifica to look the science of sea walls and their effect on beach environments. They stop in Malibu and Hollister Ranch to examine beach access, visit the Santa Barbara Coast to see the development, stop in San Luis Obispo and the San Mateo Coast to learn about land trusts, and look at a far reaching plan in Fort Bragg, where folks tackle the challenges to redevelop miles of Mendocino's coastline for the first time in more than 100 years. "Coastal Clash" shows viewers that they are the guardians of their future access to the beach and how the coastal lands are managed.

KQED has produced a special Coastal Clash DVD, which contains the full program and exceptional bonus features, including: Chris Shifflett's Emmy Award-winning original soundtrack, featuring songs not used in the film; never-before-seen surfing and beach home videos; plus four companion public radio reports that focus on coastal issues. Order the DVD.

Coastal Clash was hailed as fair and balanced by the media and by folks on both sides of the issues.